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Eric Clapton reveals this week of his declining health

The King of Electric Guitar this week, Eric Clapton, announced to the news media that he is just about completely deaf from severe tinnitus and is suffering nerve damage to his hands that will in just a matter of time compromise his ability to play. When Clapton goes it will be the end of the Rock era as we know it.

Years ago, B.B.King was asked at a press conference who he thought was the greatest rock guitarist of all time, he replied,
"My personal opinion?..."Eric Clapton is the greatest rock and roll guitar player of all time." 1986


                                                 
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johnto
1,023 posts
 
For my money Jeff Beck is a much better guitarist. Clapton had his moments that ended with Derek and the Dominoes  but for a consistent body of work I'll take Beck.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,788 posts
 

I’ve followed both Clapton and Beck their entire careers, seeing Clapton live first in ’67, Beck in ’68. I loved The Yardbirds, Clapton being on about half the songs on their first album, Beck on the other half and the entire second and third. All three albums are fantastic, unlike the fourth, on which Jimmy Page took over on guitar. It’s really, really bad.

To prefer the playing of Jeff Beck to that of Eric Clapton is fine, but to rate them against each other is, imo, misguided. They play in completely different styles, each having his own area of superiority. Clapton’s strength is his lyrical, singing-style phrasing, a talent Jeff Beck does not possess. Beck is a much more original, unique guitarist, playing like no one else. And remember, Eric is a pretty fair singer, while Jeff doesn't sing at all. When you play like he does, you don't need to!

For anyone interested in hearing a guitarist who possessed the strengths of both, check out Danny Gatton.

slaw's avatar
slaw
21,321 posts
 
...don't forget about Neil Diamond..............
tostadosunidos's avatar
tostadosunidos
1,197 posts
 
When I think of his work I think mostly of what he did in the 60's, which is hard to touch--so many fine solos of the "wish I could've done that" variety.  Derek & the Dominoes has its moments.  After that the high points are Unplugged and From the Cradle.  Also, he did a great track with Taj Mahal:  Here in the Dark.  Most of his work in the 70's and 80's leaves me cold at best and, at worst, turns my stomach.  In short, he runs the gamut of extremes.  Like McCartney, an extraordinary but uneven talent.
niodari's avatar
niodari
300 posts
 
sorry to hear this, however he may still sing. 

as to bb king's note, perhaps he said this in some particular context. 

taking into account the contribution by unit time of life, i would
perhaps give some priority to jimi hendrix
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